Georgette McClain, a biological sciences teacher at Blanchester High School, recently used Feed the World classroom grant materials to help her students understand complex biological processes through hands-on investigation.
“This was a huge help for my students in understanding the process of fermentation AND how enzymes work,” McClain shared after implementing the Corn Fermentation in a Bag lab with her classes. “I definitely plan to use this when we do our energy unit. I will work it into my curriculum so that it will help students when we are initially learning about these topics.”
The activity, made possible through Feed the World’s classroom supply grant program sponsored by Ohio Corn & Wheat, showed how one lab can teach several science concepts at once. “Overall, this is a great, easy lab that unifies so many biological concepts at one time,” McClain noted.
McClain sees opportunities to expand the investigation next year. “I am looking forward to allowing the kids to use different feedstocks. They really seemed to understand the idea of feeding the yeast different substances, and this will reinforce their understanding of the major biomolecules as we cover them as well,” she explained. “I like the idea of open-ended exploration.”
“I plan to continue to use the materials and lab ideas you have given me in the years to come. I am so happy to have found the Feed the World Program!” McClain emphasized.
Science teachers can access free curriculum materials to bring authentic agricultural science investigations to their students.